Two steps forward, one step back. I'm still trying to get that geometry right. I've actually broken out the chisels twice to put in new lining and starting over. Little by little I'm getting closer. I really want to get this body together but I have to keep myself from rushing through this step. If I screw it up the guitar will be unplayable.

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Married to Kelly, 6/19/1999
SAHD since August, 2004
Father to Justin, 2/27/2004
Father to Joseph, 3/11/2007

I don't know how anal retentive you guys get on fine details but I'm struggling with it on this step of the build. After months of sanding and dry fitting I still can't get a tight fit and I'm trying to think in 3 dimensions.

The issue here is how pieces are supposed to interlock up by the neck joint. There are two braces that intersect with a cross brace in that area that are called the "A" frame. They are meant to fit into two grooves in an extension to the neck block to keep that area from warping under the tension of the strings. This is to be the structural core of the guitar but either the grooves are too shallow or those A braces are too thick.

I'm thinking that former, but I can't route the grooves any deeper without gluing another thin piece of birch plywood underneath. That means another day of waiting for glue to cure after clamping it on.

Everything else seems ready to go. I should have a good angle, flat surface and straight line for the fretboard to sit on once I'm done with that side step.

__________________
Married to Kelly, 6/19/1999
SAHD since August, 2004
Father to Justin, 2/27/2004
Father to Joseph, 3/11/2007

This thread is fascinating to me. I donít have the knowledge or skill to do anything at all like this, but love reading about what youíre doing, what goes in to it and seeing the pictures. Thanks for keeping it updated!